Using the encrypted Tor router system, individuals could mask the fact that they visited ProPublica (and the other less savoury sites than frequent the dark web), making it a useful way to skirt around government surveillance and censorship.

Tigas said: “Everyone should have the ability to decide what types of metadata they leave behind. We don’t want anyone to know that you came to us or what you read.”

Although Tor users can visit ProPublica on the standard web, it noted that readers could be in danger of being flagged on the site if they land on one of the few pages without SSL encryption.

The publication, through its secure dark web channel, will also accept anonymous tips and leaks through in the hope that those divulging the data will remain safe.

“Personally I hope other people see that there are uses for hidden services that aren’t just hosting illegal sites,” he said lauding the presence of ProPublica and Securedrop on the dark web.

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